fmc@pyuxqq.UUCP (fmc) (03/20/85)
TO: cbosgd!cbsck!cbscc!rsg >> Subject: Re: washer/dryer/lawn mover info needed >> As far as lawn mowers go, I try to stimulate the economy by hiring a >> neighborhood professional (i.e. kid about 13 years old) to do it. >> ...bob garmise...at&t bell labs, columbus... I don't know about your state, but I've been told that in NJ, hiring an under-age person to use power machinery can result in legal trouble and costs that are NOT totally covered by your insurance.
jgpo@ihu1e.UUCP (John, KA9MNK) (03/22/85)
> TO: cbosgd!cbsck!cbscc!rsg > > >> Subject: Re: washer/dryer/lawn mover info needed > >> As far as lawn mowers go, I try to stimulate the economy by hiring a > >> neighborhood professional (i.e. kid about 13 years old) to do it. > >> ...bob garmise...at&t bell labs, columbus... > > I don't know about your state, but I've been told that in NJ, hiring > an under-age person to use power machinery can result in legal trouble > and costs that are NOT totally covered by your insurance. Bob's not "hiring" the kid, per se, but, rather, buying a service provided by the kid. The kid is not Bob's employee, but is acting as a self-employed independent contractor. I don't think Bob has anything to worry about, especially if the kid supplies the lawnmower him/herself. If Bob supplies the lawnmower, he could be held liable for any injuries caused by defects in the machinery. Mowing the neighbor's lawns is a time-honored way of raising money, especially when you're too young to get a "real" job. If Bob makes sure the kid's parents know about Junior's sideline business and they have given their permission for the same, I don't see how they can sue if Junior gets hurt. Legal protection is just a phone call away. John Opalko AT&T Bell Labs Naperville, IL DISCLAIMER: I am not a lawyer and the major portion of my experience with the law is seeing just how far I can bend it before it breaks.